thelivingend.comI think we can all agree that the best part of college is not living at home; sorry, commuters. All the other perks spring from this: eating a pint of ice cream for breakfast.and lunch, making out with that kid down the hall for two hours, drinking on Wednesday afternoon and going to shows instead of studying for exams. This last reason was the downfall of my freshman physics grade. Washington University is so conveniently located near venues, within public transportation of venues and around venues that it’s easy to justify a reason to go. Yes, the Gargoyle, conveniently located in the basement of Mallinckrodt, offers some great shows this year.
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead
First off is .And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead. Trail of Dead is notorious for its live performances, and this show promises to be a visual-audio experience. An indie rock band, known for destroying its equipment after the show- think The Who-will be a fantastic change-up from W.I.L.D. It’s good to remind yourself that outside of the Wash. U. bubble, rock is still alive and thriving, and that it usually doesn’t involve acoustic guitars and bongos, despite what Team 31 will lead you to believe.
In its last album, “Worlds Apart,” Trail of Dead managed to tackle topics ranging from the MTV culture of America to the war on terror, all in the same song. Oddly, it worked, and it worked well. Their new album, with a release date of Nov. 14, promises to be just as great. The show at the Gargoyle will be a great preview of a band already well known in the rock community.
Plus you have to love a band whose first release came in the form of a cassette.
The co-headliners with Trail of Dead deserve their own mention: The Blood Brothers. This band has a new album out on Oct. 10, and this show proves to be worth the loss of a Sunday night. The Blood Brothers cannot be easily categorized, fitting into genres from art punk to experimental post-hardcore. It’s obvious this isn’t a cookie cutter band. With two dedicated lead singers, this band is able to weave more interesting vocals into their songs, though at times the vocals quickly degrade into screaming.
This isn’t always the case in “Camouflage, Camouflage” off the album “Young Machetes.” The heavy guitar and harsh vocals provide a great juxtaposition with the keyboard interlude accompanying softly sung lyrics. The Blood Brothers cannot be accused of monotonous albums, and a live performance is just the thing this band needs to fully showcase its musical diversity.
Show: Oct. 29 Tickets: $15 or $5 with Wash. U. ID
Mad Caddies
The next show offers quite a change in the musical landscape. The Mad Caddies, a third-wave ska band out of-where else-California, have been around since 1995 and have managed to garner a following. With six albums out, the Caddies have gained a reputation for being able to step outside the ska framework and employ other techniques. Overall, the songs are upbeat, easy to listen to and fun.
With the very recent departure of Mark Iversen, the bassist, this show will be a great opportunity to see if the band is able to absorb a new member and keep the same energy at live shows. Ska in general is fantastic live. The Caddies employ both a trumpet and trombone, and the visual effect is very different from bands with simply guitars, bass and drums. The fast-paced shows offer a great environment for dancing and, best of all, watching other people dance.
Plus, you can ask a girl if she wants to skank, and maybe she’ll misunderstand and you’ll get more than you hoped for.
Show: Nov. 16 Tickets: $10 or FREE with Wash. U. ID
Bouncing Souls
Bouncing Souls stop at the Gargoyle as they tour the nation to promote their newest album, “The Gold Record.” Written in their home state of New Jersey, this album is one of the best the band has released in their 19 years together. Oddly pushing into the punk genre, the band still employs brass at times, though defiantly not ska. The music is a little more forceful, and a little less fluffy. Think more power cords, and less “picking it up.”
The new album showcases the band’s varied abilities. Still able to cover light-hearted topics, the new album features a chilling anti-war song, “Letter from Iraq,” written by a soldier overseas, and put to music by the Bouncing Souls. Songs such as “The Gold Song” still offer the same high energy we’ve all come to know and love. This show will be a powerful reminder that punk rock is still alive and well.
Whoever said nothing good came out of Jersey hasn’t heard the Bouncing Souls. Feel free to educate your friends.
Show: Nov. 29 Tickets: $12 or $5 with Wash. U. ID
The Living End
Just in time for the wrap-up of the semester is The Living End. This trio from Australia is an interesting band in its own right. Utilizing an upright bass and backing vocals from the drummer, this punkabilly band is definitely different than most bands today. The Living End got its big break from Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day fame) and from there has launched an international career, with its debut album going five times platinum.
With solid beats and clear vocals, The Living End manages to create an exciting environment within each of the songs it performs. This huge sensation within Oceania has been given multiple awards for live performances. Holding the title of Best Live TV Appearance, it’s no big gamble to say they are going to put on a great show. While they no longer use the standup drum kit, they still oftentimes dress in ’50s-style suits. Think Panic! at the Disco style, just less emo.
If it’s good enough for Billie Joe, it’s good enough for me.
Show: Dec. 1 Tickets: $12 or FREE with Wash. U. ID
It’s good to know that someone on campus hasn’t forgotten about the kids who like to listen to fast, loud and angry music. The Gargoyle is providing Wash. U. students with some great punk shows from around the world this semester. While the Gargoyle is smaller than some venues, it compensates with a great experience where performers are literally within reach of the audience. There’s nothing like being sprayed with a lead singer’s sweat as he sings your favorite song: it’s like Warped Tour without the sunburn. For more information about upcoming shows and openers, check out the Gargoyle website at www.thegargoylestl.com.